§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what studies her Department has commissioned to assess the impact of proposed new airport developments at(a) Heathrow, (b) Gatwick, (c) Stansted and (d) Cliffe on the extent of human exposure to nitrogen dioxide. [129400]
§ Margaret BeckettWe have not commissioned any air quality studies to assess the impacts of the proposed new airport developments at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted or Cliffe.
"The Future Development of Air Transport in the UK: South East" consultation document issued by DfT in February 2003, sets out the environmental impacts, including the extent of human exposure to nitrogen dioxide levels, of the proposed new airport developments at each of the airports in the south-east. My officials have been in contact with DfT officials about the results presented in the consultation document, and they have informed them about the results from our national modelling of air quality, including around airports and the current results from the local air quality management system. My officials will also be working closely with. DfT and officials in other Government Departments An drawing up the Air Transport White Paper.